Expedition Overland - 2015 Season

[Patrollife]

You'd hardly be the first to offer comments as such on our Central America trip. While none of it was "choreographed', the editors had hundreds of hours worth of footage to condense into just about 6. Obviously they didn't hit the mark with everyone (and to be fair its naive to assume they would).

Have you watched the latest XO season (Return to the Mackenzie)? I'm curious how this held up to your wants vs. Central America.






I'm seeing the word staged used by a few of you now. Can you share with me what you feel was staged?

If you are referring to the Return to Mackenzie episodes, then yes, I've watched the latest footage. But if there is newer footage, do let me know!

I enjoyed the Mackenzie episodes. There was more of the type of "overlanding" that I, as one of your thousands of viewers" enjoy watching.

In your CA series, there was some footage that was edited--I'm assuming, so correct me here if I'm wrong--to make it seem like the shot was a sponsor plug. Perhaps it was sloppy editing (no disrespect intended), but for example, the maxtrax shot on the beach. I believe you guys were in Baja. That part looked choreographed.

My main disappointment with the CA series is how much of each country the group missed. And how inaccurate some of the descriptions were. For example, in the Guatemala series, the episodes would describe some of the areas as the deep jungle. Well, I call foul. This said, I did learn about Finca Tatin through watching the series so thank you for the recommendation. It is cool, chill spot.

I also found there was too much emphasis on security and border crossings. Those two elements will always exist when crossing international borders and the message I got from your editing was, there was a bit of trepidation in CA when you were outside of your comfort zones. But again, these are just my observations. I'd be happy to read disagreements and arguments that support or rebuke my points, but in the end I'm very supportive of the work XO does but like everything else in this world, there's always room for improvement. And like our rigs, our projects never end. Cheers from Guatemala !


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[AaronK]

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[cruiseroutfit]

If you are referring to the Return to Mackenzie episodes, then yes, I've watched the latest footage. But if there is newer footage, do let me know!

That is the newest footage, planning for 2017 is underway.

In your CA series, there was some footage that was edited--I'm assuming, so correct me here if I'm wrong--to make it seem like the shot was a sponsor plug. Perhaps it was sloppy editing (no disrespect intended), but for example, the maxtrax shot on the beach. I believe you guys were in Baja. That part looked choreographed.

I was driving the Tacoma when it sank in the sand, 100% authentic... they did absolutely capitalize on the opportunity to use a product and capture footage. But we would have carried Maxtrax even if they were not a sponsor fwiw.


Thanks for watching!

 

[Patrollife]

That is the newest footage, planning for 2017 is underway.



I was driving the Tacoma when it sank in the sand, 100% authentic... they did absolutely capitalize on the opportunity to use a product and capture footage. But we would have carried Maxtrax even if they were not a sponsor fwiw.


Thanks for watching!

The maxtrax saved our butts in Peten, too! Good luck with your upcoming adventure. You know I'll be watching.


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[Dalko43]

In your CA series, there was some footage that was edited--I'm assuming, so correct me here if I'm wrong--to make it seem like the shot was a sponsor plug. Perhaps it was sloppy editing (no disrespect intended), but for example, the maxtrax shot on the beach. I believe you guys were in Baja. That part looked choreographed.

I don't know why this is a surprise to anyone here. I don't know how you expect them to do these kinds of adventures in foreign countries and film them without some sort of sponsorship. As for parts of it looking choreographed, well to be honest I didn't notice too much of that. But they do have an obligation to their viewers and their sponsors to make interesting content that is captured on camera. If they aren't getting good shots of their rigs in action, then what exactly is the point of the whole show?

My main disappointment with the CA series is how much of each country the group missed. And how inaccurate some of the descriptions were. For example, in the Guatemala series, the episodes would describe some of the areas as the deep jungle. Well, I call foul. This said, I did learn about Finca Tatin through watching the series so thank you for the recommendation. It is cool, chill spot.

I also found there was too much emphasis on security and border crossings. Those two elements will always exist when crossing international borders and the message I got from your editing was, there was a bit of trepidation in CA when you were outside of your comfort zones. But again, these are just my observations. I'd be happy to read disagreements and arguments that support or rebuke my points, but in the end I'm very supportive of the work XO does but like everything else in this world, there's always room for improvement. And like our rigs, our projects never end. Cheers from Guatemala !

To be fair, they've got to condense a journey that was what, weeks-long, into several 45 minute video clips. They're not going to capture every nuanced detail about every country they visit. And there was a lot about border crossings in their CA series. But then again, every time I read some after action on this forum from an overlander who is travelling through CA and SA, the border crossings seem to receive a lot of attention due to the complexity and logistics that are sometimes involved. As someone who is looking to travel down to SA at some point, I'm glad that the XO crew spend time covering those crossings.

I do get what you're saying on some level. The first season in North America really drew me in with is novelty and great story and camera shots. The CA season wasn't as entertaining, but still well-made. The return to Mackenzie was good, I just wished there had been more content. I hope that the next season they produce captures my attention the way the first one did. But I'm in no position to judge their abilities and decision-making and, with the exception of a select few on here who have planned and conducted large-scale expeditions in foreign countries, neither is anyone else.

 

[Patrollife]

I don't know why this is a surprise to anyone here. I don't know how you expect them to do these kinds of adventures in foreign countries and film them without some sort of sponsorship. As for parts of it looking choreographed, well to be honest I didn't notice too much of that. But they do have an obligation to their viewers and their sponsors to make interesting content that is captured on camera. If they aren't getting good shots of their rigs in action, then what exactly is the point of the whole show?



To be fair, they've got to condense a journey that was what, weeks-long, into several 45 minute video clips. They're not going to capture every nuanced detail about every country they visit. And there was a lot about border crossings in their CA series. But then again, every time I read some after action on this forum from an overlander who is travelling through CA and SA, the border crossings seem to receive a lot of attention due to the complexity and logistics that are sometimes involved. As someone who is looking to travel down to SA at some point, I'm glad that the XO crew spend time covering those crossings.

I do get what you're saying on some level. The first season in North America really drew me in with is novelty and great story and camera shots. The CA season wasn't as entertaining, but still well-made. The return to Mackenzie was good, I just wished there had been more content. I hope that the next season they produce captures my attention the way the first one did. But I'm in no position to judge their abilities and decision-making and, with the exception of a select few on here who have planned and conducted large-scale expeditions in foreign countries, neither is anyone else.

Cheers, sir! It's not about judging, it's about giving feedback as a viewer to a series that is open to the public and obviously intended to draw an audience. You touched on that in your first paragraph.

If you travel through Guate--and I'm still here--give me a buzz. Happy to hit some trails and off-the-beaten tourist spots with ya. Take care!

 

[NetDep]

As probably a target demographic for the what I think to be a very awesome and informative series, I find Expedition Overland to be very cool! Lots of folks that I can esily relate to - they are personable, honest, seem to be hardworking and work together as a team. There have been a few instances where I observed the team really rally and solve a very serious problem. No, I have not been to the jungles of Central America and no, I have not been on an expedition of that length or intensity. Would I like to? HELL YES!! It's why I watch the show and guess what? It's why so many watch this and TV shows and movies -- we would like to be the people on the screen -- we find a vicarious thrill in what they are doing and realize we are not likely to do it.

Oh, and shiny rigs, lots of gear and gadgets and exotic places.....count me in!! High production value, good editing and cohesive and well told stories. Am I a cheerleader? Yes - and I readily admit it.

Happy wheeling!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

As probably a target demographic for the what I think to be a very awesome and informative series, I find Expedition Overland to be very cool! Lots of folks that I can esily relate to - they are personable, honest, seem to be hardworking and work together as a team. There have been a few instances where I observed the team really rally and solve a very serious problem. No, I have not been to the jungles of Central America and no, I have not been on an expedition of that length or intensity. Would I like to? HELL YES!! It's why I watch the show and guess what? It's why so many watch this and TV shows and movies -- we would like to be the people on the screen -- we find a vicarious thrill in what they are doing and realize we are not likely to do it.

Oh, and shiny rigs, lots of gear and gadgets and exotic places.....count me in!! High production value, good editing and cohesive and well told stories. Am I a cheerleader? Yes - and I readily admit it.

Happy wheeling!

Thanks for watching!

 

[Hltoppr]

I hope that one thing viewers take from the entire Expedition Overland series...from Alaska to Central America and the MacKenzie, it that they're inspired to go do this sort of thing. Yes, Clay and the crew busted their butts to get some amazing sponsors to support the grand adventure, but in reality the vast majority of these trips could be done in a stock...whatever you've got.

The thing I've found about "sponsors" is that it does add planning...not "staged" events, but planning for those shots that the sponsors can use; there's that expectation with each item given. Can't fault the companies for expecting a return on the investment, even if it's just photo shoot type of stuff. This happens in every sponsored event or trip, even if you're just an "Instagram Product Ambassador." It's quite normal to have a very extensive list of exact photos or video you'll expect to get for each sponsor.

Yes...this can take away some spontaneity, but that is the price to play at that level sometimes. In my experience, even the expectation of writing an article or post about the trip can do that, as I'm always taking notes and writing as I go.

What I can say for this group is that they're all genuinely great folks to travel with and truly passionate about these experiences. There's a absolute ton of hard work that goes into each and every episode that's produced, and I think they're doing an amazing job of bringing some really great drives to their viewers.

-H-

 

[Corey]

"Oh Hey There!" MAXTRAX

 

[Corey]

"Oh Hey There!" Body Armor

 

[KLRTim]

Truly Inspirational Team

Just in Brief I am 50 years old and was Brought up in the outdoors by my Dad EX Queens Guardsman since the age of 7. I went through Cubs , Scouts and Ventures here in the Tasmanian Wildeness Still going Strong 43 years later.

In saying this!!!

These guys are A True Testament to Mateship, Honesty, Integrity, and are sharing there lives, trips and Most Amazing Scenery all the while Camping, 4x4ing Navigating the list is endless.
These folks are Just Truly Inspirational, challenging themselves at every oportunity that is a Positive or a Negative and always Team up communicate and Move forward.

I watch there Series on a regular Basis and every Episode I come away with a wealth of New ideas and Motivation.

Congrats and Safe travels to all Overlanders.
:bike_rider:

My Latest Rig

 

[Corey]

Here is a new one.

X Elles 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series Build

 

[Corey]

"Oh Hey There!" Habitat

If I built up a Tacoma, I think this is what I would put on it.

 

[Corey]

Bass Master Classic show: With Toyota